Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

"State-owned enterprises are stable, but you can see the end from the beginning." Chen Jingge flicked his cigarette ash. "I started my own business because I wanted to try a different way of life."

Have you considered going full-time into investing?

Chen Jingge did not answer immediately.

He took a deep drag of his cigarette, gazed out the window at the dense forest of buildings, and after a long pause, finally spoke: "To be honest, yes. Making money this time has made me more proactive. Working for myself, although I'm always on edge, it's exhilarating."

He turned back, his gaze landing on Jiang Haoran. "However, going it alone limits your potential. Relying solely on my own resources and connections, it's difficult to scale up."

Jiang Haoran knew that the time was right.

He turned his gaze back to Jiang Haoran's face, "However, going it alone has a limited ceiling. Relying solely on my resources and connections, it's difficult to climb the ladder."

Jiang Haoran knew that the time was right.

"Uncle, my classmate and I have started an investment company called 'Nine Heavens'. The first round of funding is 35 million, and we'll be officially operational soon."

He paused, his tone calm and direct, "I haven't graduated yet, and I need to balance my studies. The company needs someone trustworthy, experienced, and capable of managing things on a daily basis."

Chen Jingge narrowed his eyes slightly: "You want me to come over?"

"Yes." He met his uncle's gaze. "With us joining forces, we can integrate funding, channels, and execution capabilities. One plus one is greater than two."

The room quieted down, with only the low hum of the air conditioner.

Chen Jingge slowly finished the cigarette, pressed the butt into the crystal ashtray, and rubbed it again and again.

"This is a serious matter," he finally said. "Give me two days to think about it."

"Of course." Jiang Haoran nodded understandingly, without urging him.

"Oh, right," Chen Jingge said, as if suddenly remembering something, "Do you remember President Li and President Wang, who we had dinner with last time?"

"Remember."

"We've been talking a lot about this market trend privately," Chen Jingge said. "We've all made a lot of money. Judging from what I heard from Boss Wang, he's made at least that much." He held up three fingers and shook them. "Twice they called me late at night to ask for my opinion, and I mentioned your analytical framework."

He smiled, his eyes shining. "President Wang said 'The younger generation is truly formidable' three times, and specifically instructed that we must organize another gathering next time so he can toast you three times in person."

Jiang Haoran understood. This was within his expectations.

In the financial markets, confidence is always cast only for those who can consistently create value. Through his uncle, he had already quietly made his mark within that circle.

"When I go back to Shanghai for vacation," Jiang Haoran said, "Uncle, can you help me make a connection? I'll treat everyone to a meal."

"No problem, I'll arrange it." Chen Jingge agreed readily.

After chatting about their recent situations, Jiang Haoran checked the time and realized it was time to head to the station.

Chen Jingge escorted him to the elevator.

"Haoran," his uncle patted his shoulder hard as the elevator doors were about to open, his tone solemn, "No matter what I choose in the end, I'm so proud of you for getting this far."

"Thank you, Uncle. I'll take the gift," Jiang Haoran said with a smile.

The elevator doors slowly closed, and the numbers began to descend.

The interior walls of the elevator car were as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the calm profile of the young man.

Jiang Haoran slowly adjusted his breathing.

……

It was already evening when I got back to school.

August is approaching, and the semester is coming to an end. With only a few courses left in the second semester of his junior year, Jiang Haoran spent two days reviewing the outlines of several core professional courses.

On Wednesday afternoon, he knocked on the door of Professor Wu Weizhen's office.

Professor Wu was reading a newspaper when he saw Haoran come in. He took off his glasses and said, "Haoran's here. Have a seat."

"Teacher." Jiang Haoran sat down in the chair opposite him.

"What have you been busy with lately?" Professor Wu asked with a gentle smile, his eyes filled with the concern typical of a teacher. "Any new ideas? If you have any good directions, I can help you recommend them for publication."

Jiang Haoran pondered for a moment, then decided to be frank: "I've been working on an investment opportunity recently, just giving it a try."

"Oh?" Professor Wu's interest was piqued. "How's it going?"

"It went smoothly. There were some small gains."

The office fell silent for a moment.

Professor Wu put his glasses back on and carefully examined the student in front of him.

He had actually heard rumors circulating in the college that the student had made a lot of money.

He has mentored many exceptionally talented students, some devoted to academics, others skilled in practical application, but those who possess both are few and far between…

"How did you do it?" he asked, his tone purely academic.

Jiang Haoran briefly explained the previous operational logic, from climate data to supply and demand models, from position allocation to risk control points.

Is there supporting data?

"Yes." Jiang Haoran took out several charts from his bag, similar to the set he showed Zhou Mingyu, but with a greater emphasis on methodology and deduction process.

Professor Wu carefully flipped through each page, nodding occasionally.

"Solid," he concluded, "more convincing than many brokerage research reports."

He handed the chart back, then subtly changed the subject: "Haoran, have you considered pursuing a master's degree with me? In financial engineering. Your analytical methods can be systematized and theorized to produce impactful results."

This is a formal invitation, reflecting the scholars' appreciation for promising talent.

Jiang Haoran remained silent for a few seconds.

"Thank you for your high regard, teacher," he said sincerely, "but I probably won't continue with graduate studies."

Professor Wu raised an eyebrow slightly: "Why?"

"I studied finance, but I've always felt that theory must ultimately be put into practice," Jiang Haoran said, his gaze clear and firm.

"Finance cannot operate in isolation from the real economy. No matter how sophisticated the model, its value is ultimately limited if it cannot boost the real economy."

He looked at Professor Wu and said calmly, "The path I want to take is not in academia. Instead, I hope to leverage the power of the capital market to invest money where it is truly needed: manufacturing, hard technology, and those areas that require long-term investment."

He paused, then uttered those well-thought-out words: "The loss of one Dr. Jiang in China may be insignificant. But if we can incubate another company with strong capabilities like Huawei, I believe that would be far more meaningful."

Professor Wu stared at him for a long time.

The office window was half-open, and a summer breeze blew through, turning over a stack of uncorrected papers on the corner of the desk.

"Industry can save the nation." Professor Wu uttered these four words slowly, his voice carrying the weight of years. "It's rare for someone your age to have such an understanding."

He paused for a moment, his tone becoming serious: "But you must know that the path of industry is long and arduous. The cycle is measured in decades, the investment is a bottomless pit, and the competition is a life-or-death arena. It's not like pursuing academia, which is quiet and respectable."

"I know," Jiang Haoran nodded, "but someone has to do the difficult but right thing."

Professor Wu nodded slightly, his eyes filled with a complex mix of admiration, emotion, and a hint of regret for not having fully utilized his talents.

"Since you've made up your mind, I support you," he finally said, his tone solemn.

"But remember, you can't lose your academic foundation. If you have any ideas in the future, or encounter any insurmountable obstacles, come back anytime. The door to this office is always open for you."

"Thank you, teacher." Jiang Haoran stood up and bowed respectfully.

As I walked out of that familiar School of Economics and Management building, the setting sun was casting its rays across the tree-lined path.

Jiang Haoran slowed his pace, feeling somewhat emotional.

My initial approach to Professor Wu was indeed driven by some worldly considerations. Knowing from a past life that this mentor would later wield significant influence in academia and policy research, I wanted to pave the way for my own future.

But after getting to know Professor Wu, he was deeply impressed by his scholarship, integrity, and his unreserved support and expectations for younger generations.

The progress of this country is due to a group of people who have ideals, are capable, and are willing to lend a helping hand to those who come after them.

His earlier statement about "saving the country through industry," though driven by personal motives, was not entirely unfounded; if it were to succeed, he would naturally reap both fame and fortune.

Having been given a second chance at life, I should do something more meaningful than simply accumulating wealth.